New Jersey is one of the few states that have restrictive gun laws. It is operating a may-issue policy when it comes to the issuance of pistol or handgun concealed carry licenses. A may-issue state grants law enforcement the discretion to determine whether to accept or reject a gun owner’s license application. Unlike shall-issue states, may-issue states such as New Jersey may reject an application even if the applicant was able to meet the basic licensing requirements.
On top of that, purchasing a handgun in the state of New Jersey requires a background check conducted by a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer, even if you are buying the gun from a private individual. Before that, residents also need to possess a Firearms Purchased Identification (FPID) card as well as a permit to purchase a handgun.
While New Jersey law is silent about its provisions on open carry, it stipulates that concealed carry shall only be legal when the carrier possesses a New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH). This license is rarely issued to the general populace as the licensee must establish an urgent necessity for owning and carrying a firearm. Nonetheless, for those who are qualified, both residents and non-resident can apply for a PCH as long as they are at least 21 years old, and they have completed and passed a firearms training course.
New Jersey CCW Permits and Gun Laws
As a may-issue state, only those who can establish that they urgently need to carry a rifle or a handgun will be issued a permit by the state of New Jersey. Aside from the basic requirements, local law enforcement also evaluates the application of each applicant to determine whether or not they need to carry a firearm. If you want to obtain a New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH), you must first seek the approval of the local police chief. Once you have the blessing of the police chief, you then need to present your application to a superior court judge.
For more information about the process of obtaining a handgun permit in the state of New Jersey, keep on reading as the following sections will discuss in detail everything you need to know about the application of a handgun permit in this state.
New Jersey Concealed Carry Handgun License
As mentioned earlier, there are several basic requirements you need to meet before the state of New Jersey issues a Permit to Carry a Handgun to an applicant. Please bear in mind that meeting these criteria alone will not guarantee an approval of your application. In order to apply for a gun permit in the state of New Jersey, the applicant must:
- Be at least 21 years old;
- Be a person of good character;
- Have demonstrated he or she is familiar with the safe handling and use of handguns;
- Not be subject to any of the disabilities set forth under state law to obtain a permit to purchase a handgun or a Firearms Purchaser Identification Card;
- Have demonstrated a justifiable need to carry a handgun;
- Have references from 3 persons who have known the applicant for a minimum of 3 years; and
- Meet federal law requirements.
As stipulated by the Federal law, the following persons are PROHIBITED from obtaining a gun permit:
- Fugitives from justice
- Persons who are unlawful users of or are addicted to narcotics or any other controlled substances (including medical marijuana, see below)
- Persons adjudicated as a mental defective or who have been committed to a mental institution
- Persons who have been convicted in any court of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year
- Persons who are under indictment for a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year
- Military veterans discharged under dishonorable conditions
- Persons who have renounced U.S. citizenship
- Aliens illegally in the U.S.
- Persons subject to a court order that restrains them from harassing, stalking or threatening an intimate partner or child of such intimate partner
- And persons convicted in any court of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
Unlike shall-issue states, a may-issue state like New Jersey has a more complicated gun permit application process. Follow the steps detailed below to apply for a New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun:
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STEP 1: |
Complete a firearm training course if required. |
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STEP 2: |
Download the application. |
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STEP 3: |
Obtain three references. Note that the references you use in your application must have already known you for at least three years prior to the application. |
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STEP 4: |
Complete three copies of the application form. Notarize all copies before submitting them. |
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STEP 5: |
Have 4 passport-style photographs taken. |
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STEP 6: |
Take the notarized applications to your local state police station along with the following:
Pay the fee. Please note that your fingerprints will be taken during application. |
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STEP 7: |
You will be notified within 60 days by mail if your application has been approved or denied at the law enforcement level. |
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STEP 8: |
If the application has been approved by the chief police officer or the superintendent, you must present it to the Superior Court of your county, (or to the Superior Court in any county where you intend to carry a handgun, in the case of a nonresident or employee of an armored car company). The court shall issue the permit to the applicant if, but only if, it is satisfied that the applicant is a person of good character who is not subject to any of the disabilities set forth in section 2C:58-3c. Pay the fee. |
Please note that non-residents must follow the same process. However, they must apply to the New Jersey State Police station nearest to their geographic location.
The validity of a New Jersey CCW permit only lasts for two (2) years. A licensee needs to renew his/her license before the expiration date indicated in the license in order to continue being allowed to carry a handgun within the state. Here’s a step by step guide on renewing your NJ Permit to Carry a Handgun:
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STEP 1: |
Complete a firearm training course if required. |
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STEP 2: |
Download the application. |
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STEP 3: |
Obtain three references. Note that the references you use in your application must have already known you for at least three years prior to the application. |
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STEP 4: |
Complete three copies of the application form. Notarize all copies before submitting them. |
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STEP 5: |
Have 4 passport-style photographs taken. |
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STEP 6: |
Take the notarized applications to your local state police station along with the following:
Pay the fee. Please note that your fingerprints will be taken during application. |
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STEP 7: |
You will be notified within 60 days by mail if your application has been approved or denied at the law enforcement level. |
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STEP 8: |
If the application has been approved by the chief police officer or the superintendent, you must present it to the Superior Court of your county, (or to the Superior Court in any county where you intend to carry a handgun, in the case of a nonresident or employee of an armored car company). The court shall issue the permit to the applicant if, but only if, it is satisfied that the applicant is a person of good character who is not subject to any of the disabilities set forth in section 2C:58-3c. Pay the fee. |
The following are the fees need to be paid when applying for a New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun (PCH):
Initial Permit (Two years validity): $50.00
Permit Renewal (Two years validity): $50.00
New Jersey Concealed Carry Handgun Laws
Vehicle Carry
YES/NO – Without a Permit/License
Carrying a loaded handgun inside any vehicle without a permit/license in New Jersey is illegal. Unless the handgun is unloaded and contained in a closed and securely fastened case, or locked in the trunk.
Must Notify Officer
NO - MUST INFORM OFFICER
You are not required to inform law enforcement that you are carrying a firearm whenever approached for official business. It is best, however, that you carry your CCW permit with identification and show these to law enforcement if they request them.
Open Carry
NO – Without a Permit/License
Open carrying a handgun without or with a permit/license in New Jersey is illegal. Your permit/license gives you the right to carry a concealed firearm, and you must carry it concealed.
New Jersey Gun Forms & Supporting Documentation
Purchase and Possession
Purchase
A qualified applicant for an FID or Permit to Purchase shall obtain such from the Superintendent of State Police or the Police Chief for the municipality in which he/she resides.
A Permit to Purchase is valid for a period of 90 days and may be renewed, for good reason, for an additional 90 days. The cost for the permit is $2.00, which shall be submitted with the application. The FID application (for persons eligible to obtain an FID) must be accompanied by a set of fingerprints and costs $5. The fingerprint fee shall be a separate charge of $54. The FID shall be valid for life, or until such time as the holder is not eligible to possess a permit.
For residents of New Jersey, the FID or Permit to Purchase shall be issued to qualified applicants within 30 days. Nonresidents who qualify will be granted permits within 45 days of application.
An application for an FID or Permit to Purchase must be made on the form set forth by the Superintendent of State Police and include the following:
- applicant’s name,
- place of residence,
- place of business,
- age,
- date of birth,
- occupation,
- gender,
- description of the applicant,
- citizenship status of the applicant,
- drug or alcohol history, including controlled substances and dependency,
- mental health history, whether committed to a mental health facility for treatment of a mental or psychiatric disorder either temporarily, or on a more permanent basis, whether as an inpatient or outpatient,
- history of membership in groups advocating violence or overthrow of the government, or those that deny others their constitutional rights,
- criminal history or conviction for a crime of disorderly conduct, and
- any information the superintendent finds necessary to properly enforce laws.
The applicant shall provide two personal references that are reputable citizens and waive all rights to confidentiality as it pertains to any mental or psychiatric treatment.
Additional requirements beyond what is set forth in the statute shall not be added to the existing form or application content by the licensing authority.
An individual of good character, who is not subject to any of the following exclusionary categories shall be granted an FID or Permit to Purchase:
- an individual who has been convicted of a crime,
- an individual who is addicted to drugs or alcohol or is a habitual drunkard, or is confined to a mental health facility, hospital or institution for a mental disorder,
- an individual with a physical impairment or disease that would prevent him/her from safely handling a firearm, unless a certificate is presented from a licensed physician or psychiatrist stating that the disability is no longer an impediment to firearm safety,
- an individual who purposefully provides false information on his/her application,
- an individual under age 18,
- an individual where the health, safety, or welfare of the public may be threatened if the permit is issued,
- an individual under 21 years of age, (for handguns or pistols).
Individuals denied a Permit to Purchase or an FID can request in writing, within 30 days of denial, a hearing from the Superior Court of the county in which they reside, or in which the application was filed. The police chief of the area in which an applicant resides, and the Superintendent of State Police shall be served notice of the hearing for a New Jersey resident. A formal pleading and filing fee shall not be required before a hearing, which will be held within a period of 30 days of a formal request for one.
POSSESSION
A Permit to Carry is required to possess any handgun, (including an antique handgun) and an FID must be obtained to possess a shotgun or rifle. An FID or permit to carry is not required under the following conditions:
- The carry of a firearm on or about the person in his/her place of residence, or on property owned, or his/her place of (fixed) business,
- The carry of an unloaded firearm, enclosed in a fastened case, securely tied package, gun box, or locked trunk for purposes of transport between his/her residence and business, or place of purchase, repair shop, or other residence while moving,
- The transport of firearms (in the manner described above) for purposes of target practice, as a member of an organized gun club, in accordance with rules of the National Board for the Promotion of Rifle Practice provided a list of members is annually submitted to the Superintendent of the State Police, as well as a copy of the club’s charter,
- The transport of a firearm while travelling, (in accordance with the manner described above),
- To or from a location for hunting or fishing, provided a valid hunting/fishing licensed is carried,
- To or from target practice at an authorized range or a skeet shooting event, practice, or match
- To or from a sponsored firearms event by law enforcement, a gun club, or gun collector’s club, in accordance with safety regulations set forth by the Superintendent of State Police where 30 days of prior notice has been given to the Superintendent prior to the event,
- Through woods, fields, or on waterways, for the purpose of hunting or fishing, with a legal and appropriate firearm and a valid hunting/fishing license,
- For purposes of regular business, if a licensed firearms dealer, or a registered employee,
- Within the course of duty, if a member of the armed forces, or National Guard, or transporting an authorized firearm between places of duty,
- Within the course of duty, if a member of law enforcement or a federal officer,
- If a vehicle inspector, prosecutor, assistant prosecutor, or law enforcement officer,
- Within the course of duty, if a guard or other individual with limited power to arrest,
- Within the course of duty, if an out-of-state law enforcement officer, provided that the Superintendent of State police, police chief, or county prosecutor (for the county where the officer’s official duties take place) has been notified.
Antique rifles and shotguns do not require an FID, if they are unloaded or discharged for purposes of exhibition at an approved range or in a manner whereby the chief law enforcement officer of the municipality has given written permission.
Unless exempt as noted above for military, law enforcement or guard personnel, it is illegal to, with full knowledge, carry or possess any firearm in or on the grounds of any school, college, university, or other educational institution without prior permission from the leader of the institution, regardless of whether a permit to carry or an FID has been obtained.
An individual may pass a firearm to his/her heir or estate (through death) without having possessed a Permit to Purchase or an FID. An individual under 18 years of age may not possess, carry, use, or fire a firearm unless he/she is:
- Under the direct supervision of a parent, guardian, or individual who possesses a Permit to Carry or an FID; or
- Is a participant in a military drill for a legal military organization and under competent supervision; or
- Is a participant in a shooting competition at an approved firing range (authorized by the municipality for which it is in) or the National Rifle Association, while under competent supervision;
- Is engaged in hunting activity during the regular hunting season, and possesses a valid hunting license, and has completed successfully, a hunter’s safety course.
- It is illegal to own, possess, or control a firearm if an individual has or is:
- Committed a crime and been convicted of aggravated assault, arson, burglary, escape, extortion, homicide, kidnapping, robbery or sexual assault, a domestic crime of violence including harassment, stalking, criminal restraint, or endangering the welfare of a child, or of bias or intimidation,
- Been previously committed to a mental health facility for a mental disorder, unless he can present proof, or a certificate from a New Jersey physician or psychiatrist that he/she is no longer impaired by a mental disorder that would hinder the safe handling of a firearm,
- Been convicted for possessing, using, or selling a dangerous controlled substance,
- Subject to an order by the courts that would prohibit him/her from possessing a firearm under New Jersey law.
New Jersey law states that it is illegal to possess “any hollow nose, dum-dum, or body armor penetrating bullet”, however legal possession of such ammunition appears to be limited to certain areas, such as a person’s residence or land owned, or while in transport of the ammunition from the retailer to the residence. Members of the armed forces, law enforcement and retail dealers may possess restricted ammunition provided they keep accurate records of all purchasers. Federally licensed collectors may possess up to three examples of each type of restricted ammunition.
Carrying a Firearm
It is illegal to carry a handgun whether concealed or open, or antique without a Permit to Carry. Carrying a rifle or shotgun requires an FID and it is prohibited to carry either firearm loaded in a vehicle. Further, it is illegal to discharge a firearm from a vehicle or across any road.
All exceptions outlined in POSSESSION shall also apply to CARRYING.
An application for a Permit to Carry must be made to the police chief for the jurisdiction in which the applicant resides. If there is no police chief for the applicant’s area, he/she must apply to the Superintendent of the State Police, (or if he/she is a nonresident of New Jersey). The licensing authority shall make a recommendation to the Superior Court judge who shall either issue or deny the permit. The judge further has the right to place restrictions on the permit, which will be valid for a period of two years. The fee for the permit is $20.
In order to obtain a Permit to Carry, the applicant must meet all requirements for an FID and Permit to Purchase. He/she must also provide any personal information requested, provide three personal references of individuals who have known him/her for at least three years, allow himself/herself to be fingerprinted, provide proof of competence with a handgun, and demonstrate a justifiable need to carry a handgun.
One permit shall cover all handguns for carry, however a description and serial number must be provided for each handgun.
NOTE: New Jersey generally limits Permits to Carry to those employed in security work, or those persons who have established necessity for self-defense purposes.
A permit must be either approved or denied within 60 days. If no notice is given an applicant, the permit is deemed approved. The appeals procedure for a denial shall be the same as the process for denial of an FID or Permit to Purchase.
Antiques & Replicas
An “antique firearm” refers to any rifle or shotgun that cannot be discharged, or does not fire fixed ammunition, regardless of the manufacture date, or a firearm that was manufactured before 1898 and cartridge ammunition is not available, and is possessed solely for curiosity, ornamental value or for historical importance.
An “antique handgun” is a handgun manufactured before 1898, or a replica of such, that is valued for historical significance and utilizes a match, flint, friction, or percussion ignition design, or a pin-fire cartridge where the pin is part of the cartridge, or is not capable of firing fixed ammunition, or any cartridge ammunition not available through commercial lines of trade.
Machine Guns
A machine gun refers to a firearm, mechanism, or instrument that does not require depression of the trigger for more than one shot, and contains storage in the form of a reservoir, or belt whereby ammunition can be loaded into the firearm, mechanism, or instrument for discharge.
The manufacture, shipping, possession, purchase, or sale of a machine gun is prohibited without a license. A license may be obtained by making application to the Superior Court judge for the area of the applicant’s residence, or for nonresidents, in the location where he/she conducts business.
A license shall be valid for a period of one year and may contain special restrictions placed upon it by the court. An applicant must qualify for a Permit to Carry and the court must find “that the public safety and welfare so require” it.
Range Protection
An owner of a handgun, rifle, shotgun, skeet shooting or trapshooting range in this State shall be immune from liability where the liability is based upon noise resulting from normal operation of the range...
13:1G-21. 2. Owner of shooting range; limited immunity from civil liability for noise
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 21 of P.L.1971, c. 418 (C.13:1G-21) to the contrary, an owner of a handgun, rifle, shotgun, skeet shooting or trapshooting range in this State shall be immune from liability where the liability is based upon noise resulting from normal operation of the range in any civil proceeding, or in any proceeding brought pursuant to the “Noise Control Act of 1971,” P.L.1971, c. 418 (C.13:1G-1 et seq.).
Nothing in this section shall be deemed to grant immunity to any person causing damage by his willful, wanton, or grossly negligent act of commission or omission.
13:1G-21. 3. Applicability This act shall apply only to a handgun, rifle, shotgun, skeet shooting or trapshooting range located in this State, which has been maintained continuously in the same location since January 24, 1972.
New Jersey Concealed Carry Reciprocity
As a state with a restrictive set of gun laws, New Jersey’s reciprocity only applies to only a few other states. In total, there are 24 states that honor a New Jersey gun permit. However, because of the nature of may-issues states, New Jersey does not honor gun permits by other states. In that case, non-residents need to apply for a gun permit in the state of New Jersey in order to be allowed to carry a handgun within its jurisdiction.
New Jersey's Reciprocity States
States that honor a New Jersey permit
RESIDENT PERMIT
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia
NON-RESIDENT PERMIT
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia
New Jersey honors permits from these states
New Jersey does not honor permits from any other states.
Places you CAN'T carry
- Casino
- State Parks
- School, college, university or other educational institution
- Any place where the carrying of firearms is prohibited by Federal Law.
- State and national forests
- Roadside rest areas
- Vehicles
- All other areas except those listed below
Miscellaneous
It is illegal to discharge any tracer ammunition, or incendiary ammunition unless it is used for military or law enforcement purposes. Non-incendiary tracer ammunition for a shotgun may be used for purposes of target shooting on trap and skeet ranges.
It is illegal to advertise a machine gun, semi-automatic rifle, or assault firearm for sale in a New Jersey newspaper without stating that a valid license for the purchase or possession of a machine gun or assault firearm or a valid FID for the purchase or possession of an automatic or semi-automatic rifle is required.
With the exception of an antique firearm or antique handgun, it is illegal to deface any firearm, or to knowingly possess any firearm that has been defaced.
It is illegal to loan money to another person where a firearm is used to secure the loan.
No individual may possess a silencer, or a shotgun with an overall length less than 26 inches, or with a barrel shorter than 18 inches. Further, a rifle that is less than 26 inches in length, or a barrel less than 16 inches long is illegal as well.
It is illegal to riot with a deadly weapon or a firearm.
The judge of the Superior Court shall license retail gun dealers and their employees in the county in which the business is located.
Any wound resulting from a firearm shall be reported to police immediately. All wounds arising from or caused by a firearm must be reported at once to the police.
Any violation of New Jersey’s gun laws by a non-citizen must be handled through the county prosecutor or attorney general and forwarded to the appropriate office of the U.S. government. It is illegal to leave a loaded firearm accessible to any minor under age 16, unless allowed under the POSSESSION section above. For firearms stored in a locked box or container, or in a location that would be considered to be secure by a reasonable person, or locked securely with a trigger lock, or under circumstances where the firearm is obtained by unlawful entry of an individual, the provision shall not apply.
A warning stating that it is a criminal offense to leave a loaded gun within access of a minor must be posted conspicuously at each purchase counter of a wholesale or retail dealer and be printed in block letters at least one-inch in height.
It is illegal to sell, transport, ship, manufacture or dispose of a large capacity magazine. A large capacity magazine refers to a tube, drum, box, or other container holding more than 15 rounds of ammunition fed continuously into a semi-automatic firearm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I apply for a gun permit in New Jersey?
If you are a resident, you must apply with the municipal police department where you reside. If your municipality is serviced by the New Jersey State Police, you must apply at the station that covers your municipality. . Out of state residents must apply to the New Jersey State Police station nearest to their geographic location. Armored car employees must apply with the New Jersey State Police, regardless of where they reside.
How long is the processing time?
It takes up to 60 days to process an application for a New Jersey Permit to Carry a Handgun.
New Jersey Off Limit Statues
2C:39-5 Firearms or other weapons in educational institutions
e.(3) Any person who knowingly has in his possession any imitation firearm in or upon any part of the buildings or grounds of any school, college, university or other educational institution, without the written authorization of the governing officer of the institution, or while on any school bus is a disorderly person, irrespective of whether he possesses a valid permit to carry a firearm or a valid firearms purchaser identification card.
2009, c.13.
N.J.A.C. 13:69D-1.13 Firearms; Possession Within Casino or Casino Simulcasting Facility
(a) No person, including the security department members, shall possess or be permitted to possess any pistol or firearm within a casino or casino simulcasting facility without the express written approval of the Division provided that employees and agents of the Division may possess such pistols or firearms at the discretion of the director of the Division. At the request of the casino licensee's security department and upon its notification to the State Police, a law enforcement officer may, in an emergency situation, enter a casino
or casino simulcasting facility with a firearm.
(b) To obtain approval for the possession of a pistol or firearm within a casino or casino simulcasting facility, a person shall be required to demonstrate that:
1. He or she has received an adequate course of training in the possession and use of such pistol or firearm;
2. He or she is the holder of a valid license for the possession of such pistol or firearm; and
3. There is a compelling need for the possession of such pistol or firearm within the casino or casino simulcasting facility.
(c) Each casino licensee shall cause to be posted in a conspicuous location at each entrance to the casino and casino simulcasting facility a sign that may be easily read stating:
"By law, no person shall possess any pistol or firearm within the casino or casino simulcasting facility without the express written permission of the Division of Gaming Enforcement."
R.2015 d.125
2C:39-3. Prohibited Weapons and Devices
f. Dum-Dum or Body Armor Penetrating Bullets.
(1) Any person, other than a law enforcement officer or persons engaged in activities pursuant to subsection f. of N.J.S.2C:39-6, who knowingly has in his possession any hollow nose or dum-dum bullet, or
(2) any person, other than a collector of firearms or ammunition as curios or relics as defined in Title 18, United States Code, section 921
(a) (13) and has in his possession a valid Collector of Curios and Relics License issued by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, who knowingly has in his possession any body armor breaching or penetrating ammunition, which means:
(a) ammunition primarily designed for use in a handgun, and
(b) which is comprised of a bullet whose core or jacket, if the jacket is thicker than.025 of an inch, is made of tungsten carbide, or hard bronze, or other material which is harder than a rating of 72 or greater on the Rockwell B. Hardness Scale, and
(c) is therefore capable of breaching or penetrating body armor, is guilty of a crime of the fourth degree. For purposes of this section, a collector may possess not more than three examples of each distinctive variation of the ammunition described above. A distinctive variation includes a different head stamp, composition, design, or color.
(2) a. Nothing in subsection f. (1) shall be construed to prevent a person from keeping such ammunition at his dwelling, premises or other land owned or possessed by him, or from carrying such ammunition from the place of purchase to said dwelling or land, nor shall subsection f. (1) be construed to prevent any licensed retail or wholesale firearms dealer from possessing such ammunition at its licensed premises, provided that the seller of any such ammunition shall maintain a record of the name, age and place of residence of any purchaser who is not a licensed dealer, together with the date of sale and quantity of ammunition sold.
s.5; 2003, c.168, s.1.
2C:58-6.1 Possession of Firearms by Minors; Exceptions.
14. a. No person under the age of 18 years shall purchase, barter or otherwise acquire a firearm and no person under the age of 21 years shall purchase, barter or otherwise acquire a handgun, unless the person is authorized to possess the handgun in connection with the performance of official duties under the provisions of N.J.S.2C:39-6
2000, c.145, s.3.